Potch Safety In Action: JB Marks Joins Nationwide Hazardous Materials Drill on the N12
- Karen Scheepers
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Preparing for the Worst, Together
On 25 June 2025, the N12 route near the Potchefstroom Weighbridge transformed into a high-intensity simulation zone, as JB Marks Local Municipality joined forces with national industry leaders and emergency services in a #DangerousGoodsIncident Simulation Exercise. Hosted under SANRAL’s Road Incident Management System (RIMS) and powered by Sasol, DP World, and Imperial Logistics, this simulation aimed to test and improve South Africa’s collective readiness for hazardous material emergencies.
Under clear skies and strict safety oversight, this exercise demonstrated one essential truth: collaboration saves lives.
Purpose and Goals of the Simulation
The simulation was not simply a drill, it was a strategic testbed for the country’s hazardous goods response network.
Core objectives included:
Strengthening inter-agency collaboration
Enhancing operational readiness for chemical spill disasters
Testing emergency protocols under realistic conditions
Evaluating incident containment, casualty response, and evacuation methods
By practicing now, responders ensure they can act swiftly and effectively when real danger strikes.
The Scene: Simulated Chaos, Real Preparation
At the heart of the operation stood tanker trucks marked with flammable substance warnings and clear environmental risk indicators. The scenario involved a mock collision and subsequent chemical spill, with realistic props such as red “blood” stains, green coolant fluid, and injured roleplayers sprawled on the tarmac.
Emergency personnel were quickly mobilized. Medics performed triage, responders donned hazmat suits, and fire marshals assessed containment.
Key players included:
Spill Tech (hazmat and fire response)
North West EMS (emergency medical extraction)
Municipal fire and traffic departments
SANRAL, Sasol, DP World, and Imperial Tanker Services
The coordination was seamless, a testament to months of training and the reliability of the RIMS framework.
Human Focus: Gear, Grit, and Guts
The day was also a showcase of safety gear and skill. From advanced full-face respirators to chemical-resistant suits and decontamination stretchers, no effort was spared. Real-time supervision ensured correct gear fitment and safety zone adherence.
Personnel worked in teams, inspecting gear, assisting colleagues, and rehearsing patient loading for chemical exposure, while maintaining chain-of-command discipline. It was a powerful reminder that behind every emergency response is a human being trained to risk their life to protect others.
National & Local Stakeholders: United for Safety
Under large branded gazebos, representatives from DP World, Sasol, Tanker Services/Imperial Logistics, and various municipal bodies observed and engaged in debriefs. Their visible support affirmed that emergency preparedness is a shared responsibility across public and private sectors.
From JB Marks Municipality staff to senior SAPS and fire officers, everyone showed up not just in uniform, but in unity.
Outcome: A Safer South Africa Starts Now
By aligning national infrastructure bodies with local emergency services, and putting procedures to the test, the 25 June simulation strengthened our community’s real-world defenses against high-risk chemical disasters.
From detailed chemical warnings on tankers to boots-on-the-ground response, this exercise made one message clear: Potchefstroom is prepared.
As road traffic grows and chemical transport increases, this kind of proactive safety culture ensures that we do more than respond, we prevent, protect, and prepare.
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